Just got back from a trip to the left coast where everyone owns a car. There's no walking to the corner store for milk or twizzlers. Nope. You've got to jump in a car to do anything. Well, at least most people. My sister and husband live within walking distance of downtown and walk more than most people I know out there (and in case they're reading I need to credit them for their positive lifestyle choice). But really, if you want to visit friends, buy groceries or go out at night, you've got to use wheels. My friend who lived in Cali for years said this type of living is very much 'Californian'. God forbid Canadians be compared to Americans yet again but in reality Victoria is extremely different than Toronto in a variety of ways.
I live in downtown T.O. No wheels really required and I haven't had my own car since moving here in 98'. I've survived and thrived. In fact, I lost all my baby weight as a result of walking back and forth along College Street hauling children along, picking up groceries and going to the movie store sans vehicle.
But now, I am caving. I bought a house just 2 km further north than where I am now. It is a bittersweet moment for me. I was able to buy a house in Toronto but now I have to own a car. I'm moving away from the strip of College Street I have walked thousands of times and moving just a little closer to the burbs. I felt kind of rock n' roll for being car-free. I know I haven't had to do as much cardio because often times I walk 90 minutes a day. Now I fear I will join the part of the population that doesn't wear down the soles of their shoes. And I fear, will my ass grow?
I have loved that fact that activity has been a natural part of my day being built into my commute to and from work. It is what I coach all my clients towards if possible. I believe we all are innately lazy if given the chance to succomb to our hedonistic sides. And now I ask myself, what will happen to me once I enjoy opening my garage door and getting in my car, slipping my fave tunes on and getting to work in less than 10 minutes. Will I revert back to the girl in Victoria who had her first car at age 16 and never looked back until moving to the big smoke?
The less activity we have built into our daily lives, the more effort we have to make to get to the gym and work our hearts. I coach people all the time to ensure their lives are active. Now I have to turn this advice on myself and ask, do I really need a car? Can I leave it at home as much as possible and use my shoes to get to work?
And you know what I decided, when I'm sans child, I will run to work. I shit you not. I am planning on running a 10k later in the fall. So, yes to the car. And yes to staying balanced.
Take a closer look and see if there are days you can leave your car behind and prevent the ass spreading phenonomen that is taking over North America one Canadian city at a time.
Thanks for reading.
Jane
www.urbanfitt.com
1 comments:
Now that was amusing. I always tell my clients that they should walk more, park a little further, or take transit... Not only is it good for our butts, and our heart and lung health to walk rather than drive, but it's good for our bones too!
I take transit all over the city to clients and to classes I teach, and it's not as convenient as driving to say the least, but my bone density is much higher than most in my age bracket, depsite the fact that I am very small boned. That's due to excercise, Yoga, walking to the grocery store (carrying bags), walking back and forth to the bus stop, subway, up and down escalators...
People who take transit and walk do get some health benefits!
Appreciate your sharing that.
Blessings,
Yoga Rani
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